Theresa McCulla is Ready to Tell the History of Brewing in America

Theresa McCulla is the new brewing historian for the American Brewing History Initiative at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. (Credit: National Museum of American History)

Theresa McCulla is Ready to Tell the History of Brewing in America

April 14, 2017

Theresa McCulla is the new brewing historian for the American Brewing History Initiative at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

When the museum’s job posting went up in 2016, some misleading article headlines suggested the job would require drinking a whole lot of beer. Spoiler alert: that’s not what Theresa McCulla’s job is about.

So what does a brewing historian do? Recently back from her first information gathering trip — this time to research brewing roots in Northern California — Theresa chatted with Julia Herz, the Craft Beer Program Director at the Brewers Association (publishers of Craftbeer.com; the BA is a supporter of the new brewing history initiative).

During our Facebook Live chat, Theresa shares details about her new job, her plans to tell the story of beer in America, and the role small and independent craft brewers play in that story.

About the Author:

Jess Baker is the editor in chief of CraftBeer.com. After 15 years in digital and broadcast journalism, she's now bringing you stories about America's small and independent breweries. She’s a runner, an aunt, and a die-hard Springsteen fan.